Trump EPA Set to Loosen Methane Rules on Oil and Gas Wells

The Trump administration is set to loosen regulations on oil and gas wells that produce very little energy but release large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to weaken requirements for leak inspections and equipment upgrades at over 700,000 low-producing 'stripper wells', which are old, poorly maintained and prone to leaking.

These wells produce just 6% of the country's oil and natural gas but account for roughly half the sector's methane pollution. The EPA acknowledged these figures in a draft rule being reviewed by the White House and seen by ProPublica.

The proposal aims to save companies $42 billion through 2050, with an attached memo saying it will 'unleash' American energy. However, environmental advocates argue that deregulating stripper wells will do little to boost energy output while significantly increasing climate pollution.